Common Council Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2020

Posted on Mar 4, 2020 by admin_post

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ‑ Council Chambers ‑ Kaukauna, Wisconsin – February 19, 2020.

Pursuant to adjournment on February 4, 2020 meeting of the Common Council of the City of Kaukauna called to order by Mayor Penterman at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.

Roll call present: Coenen, Driessen, DeCoster, Duda, Kohne, Roehrig, Schell and Thiele.

Also present: DPW/Eng. Sundelius, Planner Jakel, Fire Chief Carrel, Police Chief Graff, Finance Dir. Van Rossum, HR Dir. Vanderloop, and interested citizens.

One minute of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag observed by the assembly present.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Kohne to suspend the rules and waive the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of February 4, 2020.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to adopt the minutes of the meeting of February 4, 2020 as presented

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Presentation of letters, petitions, remonstrances, memorials, and accounts.

Bills Payable – Coenen made a motion, seconded by Kohne to pay bills out of the proper accounts.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Public Appearances

Charles West, 617 W. 10^th Street spoke regarding the sidewalk installation scheduled to take place on his street. Mr. West stated that he owns a very old property and has a very steep driveway that will require the pitch be altered before the sidewalk can be put in. He is concerned about the cost and logistics of this project.

Mayor Penterman stated that all property owners will be notified with a letter and a public hearing will take place to hear concerns from residents before the projects occurs.

Business Presented by the Mayor

Electric City Experience 2020.

Mayor Penterman stated that during a business walk conducted by the Heart of the Valley Chamber in June of 2019, the number one suggestion was to bring back the Electric City Experience. Mayor Penterman asked event chairperson, Jason Lipsky, 2000 Ashland Ave., Oshkosh, to provide information to the Council. Mr. Lipsky stated the event will take place June 10 through June 14 and will include eight music stages and food trucks. The event will kick off with the Live from Hydro on Wednesday evening and will continue through Saturday.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by Schell to donate $10,000 to the Electric City Experience 2020.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive – February 16 to March 8.

Mayor Penterman stated that a hygiene drive to help the homeless will take place until March 8. There is a donation box in the Municipal Services Building atrium. Ald. Roehrig asked about the outcome from the Hygiene drive conducted by the Library. Mayor Penterman will ask Kaukauna Library Director Thiem-Menning to give a report at the next Council meeting.

Reports of Standing and Special Committees:

Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2020.

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS

Meeting of the Board of Public Works called to order by Chairman Thiele at 6:00 P.M. on Monday, February 17, 2020.

Members present: Coenen, DeCoster, Driessen, Duda, Kohne, Roehrig, Schell, and Thiele.

Also present: Mayor Penterman, Attorney Davidson, DPW/Eng. Sundelius, Eng./GIS Spec. Neumeier, Proj. Eng. Cesafsky, Planner Jakel, HR Dir. Vanderloop, Street Sup. VandenHeuvel, Fin. Director Van Rossum, Rec. Director Malloy, Fire Chief Carrel and interested citizens.

Mayor Penterman informed all present about the deaths of two people in the City of Kaukauna on Crooks Ave. He stated it is early in the investigation and anticipates that a press release will happen tomorrow. Mayor Penterman asked that everyone keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.

Correspondence.

A letter from Jessica Andriessen/Zest Home Solutions, Inc., 1011 Kenneth Ave., Kaukauna regarding a bill they received for snow shoveling was read. The letter was to request reconsideration of the invoice.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by DeCoster to receive and place on file the letter from Jessica Andriessen/Zest Home Solutions LLC.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by Schell to refer this matter to the next Board of Public Works meeting for reconsideration.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

A letter from Katherine Asman, 4501 Coriander Court, Kaukauna regarding a bill they received for snow shoveling was read. The letter was to request the invoice be waived.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by Schell to receive and place on file the letter from Katherine Asman.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by Schell to refer this matter to the next Board of Public Works meeting for reconsideration.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

A letter from Judd Vanden Heuvel, 305 Lawe Street, Kaukauna regarding a bill he received for snow shoveling was read. The letter was to request the fee be reduced to the rate listed on City Website.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by DeCoster to receive and place on file the letter received from Judd Vanden Heuvel.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by Schell to refer this matter to the next Board of Public Works meeting for reconsideration.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Award bid for Project #3-20, 2020 Alley Paving Project.

Eng./GIS Spec. Neumeier provided the bid tabulations for the project. By rebidding this project from last fall to this spring the City will realize a savings of approximately $27,000. The Engineering Department recommends awarding the bid to Northeast Asphalt for a total bid of $218,544.75.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Kohne to award bid for Project #3-20, 2020 Alley Paving Project to Northeast Asphalt for a total bid of $218,544.75.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Update on snow removal from crosswalks.

DPW/Eng. Sundelius stated that at the last Board of Public Works meeting three individual requests for reconsideration of their snow removal bills were read. Only one of those requests is on this meeting agenda. After review of the other two bills and several other bills that were scheduled to be sent out, it was noticed that the property owners completed clearing the sidewalks, but failed to remove snow from the crosswalk area. It was decided to wave all “crosswalk only” bills because the requirement that property owners also clear the crosswalk area/ramps was not clearly published. All residents, who have crosswalks, were then individually notified that this policy has changed. It is the intention that from this point on property owners will be billed for snow removal from sidewalks and crosswalks.

Alderpersons Thiele and Kohne thanked the Public Works department for individually noticing property owners of this ordinance change.

Alderperson Driessen asked if the City website has been updated to reflect the change. Mayor Penterman stated that the City Code of Ordinances is hosted by a third party and is updated annually. The change has been posted to the City website, social media page, and the ordinances were published as required.

Sidewalk snow removal bill for 401 Whitney Street.

Street Superintendent VandenHeuvel stated that this bill was brought up at the last Board of Public Works meeting and was requested to be placed on this meeting for consideration. Pictures of the sidewalk before and after clearing were provided.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to keep the bill as presented. Ald. DeCoster asked if this bill included a crosswalk. VandenHuevel did not believe this bill included a cost for clearing the crosswalk, but would double check.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried.

Haas Road urbanization update.

DPW/Eng. Sundelius provided the board with an update to the urbanization of Haas Road from CTH CE northerly to Olde Country Circle. This item was previously discussed by the Board of Public Works and Common Council. The Engineering Department is proceeding with the urbanization, complete with sidewalks on both sides, as directed via Common Council action on February 20, 2019. During the design process there were some concerns about trees along the way. Some additional surveys were done and the information on these surveys were presented. The goal of urbanizing Haas Road is to bring it up to City standards and provide sidewalks to allow pedestrians access to the CE trail and the new park. The different design reports were provided.

Alderman Driessen inquired about replacing the trees with new ones. DPW/Eng. Sundelius stated that this is the process when trees are removed that they be replaced with new ones.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by DeCoster to allow the property owner, Thomas Bay, 2550 Haas Road, to address the board.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Mr. Bay spoke to the Board addressing his concerns about losing his trees, losing a considerable amount of his front yard, losing privacy and paying the hefty price tag for the special assessments. Mr. Bay asked the Board and Council to reconsider this urbanization and come up with another plan.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by Duda to move Haas Road to the West to create a three foot terrace on West side of Haas Road and still maintain setbacks to accommodate sidewalk on East side to abut the curb and be six foot wide at the 2550 Haas Road residence. Discussion was held.

Roll call vote: Coenen – nay, DeCoster – nay, Driessen – nay, Duda – aye, Kohne – aye, Roehrig – aye, Schell – nay, Thiele – nay.

Motion fails 5 – nay, 3 – aye.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by DeCoster to defer the cost of the Haas Road urbanization for 5 years for the twelve affected properties.

Roll call vote: Driessen – nay, Duda – aye, Kohne – aye, Roehrig – nay, Schell – nay, Thiele – nay, Coenen – nay, DeCoster – aye.

Motion fails 5 – nay, 3 – aye.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by DeCoster to allow the twelve affected property owners a fifteen year payback instead of the usual ten year payback on the special assessments for this project.

Roll call vote: Duda – aye, Kohne – aye, Roerhig – aye, Schell – aye, Thiele – aye, Coenen – nay, DeCoster – aye, Driessen – nay.

Motion passes 6 – aye, 2 – nay.

Ald. Kohne asked the board to reconsider the special assessments for a front and rear sidewalk to property owners at 2091 and 2080 Fenway Court.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by Schell that the property owners at 2091 and 2080 Fenway Court not be assessed for a rear sidewalk. DPW/Eng. Sundelius stated that this matter was discussed at the Plan Commission and the recorded plat for Manchester Estates documents that all future lots will have assessments for sidewalks by the City of Kaukauna and lots with double frontage will be assessed accordingly. Ald. Coenen stated that the sidewalks are for all the residents, not just the property owner. All residents pay for sidewalks and it is only fair that this process continue. These property owners were aware of this condition and should have been made aware of this at closing.

Roll call vote: Duda – aye, Kohne – aye, Roehrig – nay, Schell – aye, Thiele – nay, Coenen – nay, DeCoster – nay, Driessen – nay.

Motion fails 5 – nay, 3- aye.

Authorization to bid Project #1-20, Concrete Street Paving.

DPW/Eng. Sundelius provided an overview of the project listing all streets included in this project.

Motion by Schell, seconded by Coenen to authorize the Engineering Department to seek bids for Project #1-20, 2020 Concrete Street Paving.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Request permission to bid the Fox River Boardwalk in conjunction with the Village of Little Chute.

Planner Jakel stated this is a joint project with the Village of Little Chute, Outagamie County, and the City of Kaukauna along with the financial partners the Community Foundation and numerous donations given to Fox Cities Greenway Inc. to assist in the payment of this program. The City of Kaukauna and the Village of Little Chute have board members on the Fox Cities Greenway Inc. The necessary permits for the project have been received. This project will not start until June, July or August with a completion of project by spring of 2021.

Ald. DeCoster asked about additional access points to the trail. Planner Jakel stated that potential areas are being looked into.

Motion by Roehrig, seconded by Schell to have Planning Department work with the Village of Little Chute and seek bids for the Fox River Boardwalk.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

General Matters – none.

Motion by Kohne, seconded by DeCoster to adjourn.

All Ald. voted aye.
Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:27 P.M.

Sally Kenney

Clerk/Treasurer

Motion by Thiele, seconded by Schell to approve the Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2020 with one correction. (#3. All residents, who have crosswalks, were then individually notified that this policy has changed.)

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Public Protection & Safety Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2020.

PUBLIC PROTECTION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Public Protection and Safety Committee was called to order by Chairman DeCoster on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 7:28 P.M.

Members present: DeCoster, Driessen, Kohne, and Schell.

Also present: Ald. Coenen, Duda, Thiele and Roehrig, Mayor Penterman, Attny. Davidson, DPW/Eng. Sundelius, GIS/Eng. Neumeier, Proj. Eng. Cesafsky, Planner Jakel, Fin. Dir. Van Rossum, Fire Chief Carrol, Street Superintendent VandenHeuvel, Rec. Dir. Malloy, HR Dir. Vanderloop and interested citizens.

Correspondence – None.
Yield sign at intersection of Sherry Lane and Woodland Court.

Mayor Penterman received a call from a resident about near miss accidents at the intersection of Sherry Lane and Woodland Court. A similar request for a yield sign was made several years ago. DPW/Eng. Sundelius stated the engineering department would not recommend placing a sign here. It is a wide open intersection and sight lines are good. The history at this intersection was reviewed and no accidents have been reported.

City Attorney Davidson stated there is no real potential liability on the City’s part. Many factors such as speed, lookout, and right-of-way would be considered if a collision occurred. Discussion was held on this matter.

Motion by Kohne to table the request for installing a yield sign at the intersection of Sherry Lane and Woodland Court. No second on this motion.

Motion by DeCoster, seconded by Schell to install a yield sign at Sherry Lane and Woodland Court.

2 – aye, 2 – nay.

No action is taken.

General Matters.

Alderman Kohne asked the Engineering Department about crosswalk lights near the High School. He would like larger lights installed.

Alderman Kohne asked about the size of yield signs and whether larger ones can be placed at recommended intersections.

Motion by Driessen, seconded by Kohne to adjourn.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:44 P.M.

Sally Kenney

Clerk/Treasurer

Motion by DeCoster, seconded by Kohne to approve the Public Protection & Safety Committee Meeting Minutes as presented.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting of February 17, 2020.

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Finance and Personnel Committee was called to order by Chairman Penterman on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 7:45 PM.

Members present: Coenen, DeCoster, Roehrig, Schell, Thiele and Penterman.

Also present: Ald. Driessen, Duda, Kohne, Attny. Davidson, HR Dir. Vanderloop, and interested citizens.

Correspondence – None.
Adjourn to closed session pursuant to Wisconsin State Statues 19.85(1)(c) considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to adjourn to closed session pursuant to Wisconsin State Statues 19.85(1)(c) considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried.

Moved to closed session at 7:47 pm.

Return to open session for possible action.

Motion by Roehrig, seconded by Thiele to return to open session for possible action.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried.

Returned to open session at 7:53 pm.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to approve the Municipal Services Building Improvement Projects Benchmarks for Phase 4 Project as presented.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

General matters –

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to adjourn.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 P.M.

Sally Kenney

Clerk/Treasurer

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Schell to approve the Finance and Personnel Committee Minutes as presented.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage District Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2020.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to receive and place on file the meeting minutes of the Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage District Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2020.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage District Special Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2020.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to receive and place on file the meeting minutes of the Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage District Special Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2020.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

1000 Islands Environmental Center Committee Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2020.

Motion by Driessen, seconded by DeCoster to receive and place on file the 1000 Islands Environmental Center Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2020.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

KATODA Meeting Minutes of November 20, 2019.

Motion by DeCoster, seconded by Kohne to receive and place on file the KATODA Meeting Minutes of November 20, 2019.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Operators/Bar Tenders License – The following applicants have applied for an operator’s license for the license year 2018‑2020 and have been recommended for approval based on their record check by the police department:

Creapeau, Rose G. – 111 W. 8^th St., Kaukauna

Cullum, Nichole, M. – 707 Railroad St., #2, Kimberly

Krull, Blanche A. – 215 Park St., Kaukauna

Scherwinski, Amy M. – W2351 Greenspire Way, Appleton

Schupp, Kristin L. – 430 W. Calumet St., Apt. 35, Appleton

VanAbel, Lisa A. – 609 W. 9^th St., Kaukauna

Motion by Duda, seconded by Kohne to grant the operator/bar tender licenses.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

The following applicant has applied for an operator’s license and has been recommended for denial based on his record check by the police department:

Oakley, Michael T. – 401 Moasis Dr., Apt. 1, Little Chute – Record

Motion by Duda, seconded by Kohne to deny the operator/bar tender license.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Reports of City Officers.

Fire Report

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Kohne to receive and place on file the January 2020 Fire Report.

All Ald. present voted aye.

Motion carried.

Ambulance Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Schell to receive and place on file the January 2020 Ambulance Report.

All Ald. present voted aye.

Motion carried.

Police Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Duda to receive and place on file the January 2020 Police Report.

All Ald. present voted aye.

Motion carried.

Municipal Court Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Duda to receive and place on file the January 2020 Municipal Court Report.

All Ald. present voted aye.

Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Deposit Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Schell to receive and place on file the January 2020 Treasurer’s Deposit Report.

All Ald. present voted aye.

Motion carried.

Building Inspection Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Duda to receive and place on file the January 2020 Building Inspection Report.

All Ald. present voted aye.

Motion carried.

Presentation of Ordinances and Resolutions.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Kohne to suspend the rules and wave the reading of Resolution 2020-5222 Preliminary Resolution declaring intent to exercise special assessment police powers for public improvements on Sarah Street, Depot Street, Ducharme Street, Greyhound Street, Rusty Street, Boxer Street, Bens Way, Rusty Court and Haas Road.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Duda stated a change should be made to the resolution to include a fifteen year payback for the Haas Road special assessments as approved at the Board of Public Works meeting on February 17, 2020.

This item will be brought back, with changes, to the next Council meeting.

Consideration of Miscellaneous Business.

Ald. Kohne wanted the Council to be aware of some landlord issues taking place in the City and asked this item be discussed at a future meeting.

Ald. Kohne informed the Council that KATODA will be holding a training on April 15, 2020 at 6:30 pm. The training will be on the use of NARCAN and will be open to the public. More information will be given at the next meeting.

Ald. Coenen inquired about the progress of the hotel. Planner Jakel stated financing continues to be worked on with Mr. Lienes.

Adjourn

Motion by Coenen, seconded by DeCoster to adjourn.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm.

Sally Kenney

Clerk/Treasurer